Man charged with theft over claims he swallowed $19k Fabergé egg

The ingested loot, valued at NZ$33,585 ($19,300; £14,600), has not yet been recovered, police say

A New Zealand man has been charged for theft after he allegedly stole a diamond-studded locket in a rather unusual way - by swallowing it.

The ingested loot - a Fabergé egg locket valued at NZ$33,585 ($19,300; £14,600) - has not yet been recovered, police told local media outlets.

Police were called to Partridge Jewellers in central Auckland last Friday afternoon and the 32-year-old man was arrested in store minutes later. He has undergone a medical assessment and remains in custody, police say.

The allegedly stolen Fabergé egg is set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires, according to the jeweller's website, and opens to reveal an 18K gold miniature octopus.

The Octopussy egg, as it is named, was inspired by the 1983 James Bond film of the same name, which centres on an elaborate Fabergé egg heist.

Fabergé is a world-renowned jeweller founded in Russia more than two centuries ago, famous for its eggs made of gems and precious metals.

The suspect is due to appear in court again on 8 December.

According to reports, he has also been charged with allegedly stealing an iPad from the same jewellery store on 12 November and making away with cat litter and flea control products worth NZ$100 from a private address a day after.